New insights into how corneal nerves support healing to help neurotrophic keratopathy patients
Official title: Mechanisms Governing Nerve-Mediated Control of Corneal Wound Healing: New Hope for Patients with Neurotrophic Keratopathy
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11369632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding how corneal nerves and their supporting Schwann cells keep the corneal surface healthy, with the goal of developing topical therapies for neurotrophic keratopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $467,670 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY036047-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with neurotrophic keratopathy or corneal nerve impairment could benefit from future therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without NK or corneal nerve issues are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
What this research studies
This project studies how corneal nerves influence the stem cells that renew the corneal surface, which is essential for clear vision. Researchers will use an NK animal model, single-cell analysis, and targeted cell ablation to map the signals from Schwann cells to limbal stem cells. The goal is to uncover targets for new, eye-friendly treatments that could prevent nonhealing wounds and blindness in NK patients. The work combines advanced biology with potential pathways for translating findings into topical therapies. If successful, the research could lead to interventions that help maintain ocular surface health in people with nerve-related corneal damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide the development of topical treatments to promote corneal healing in NK patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show corneal nerves and Schwann cells influence epithelial maintenance, supporting the potential of this approach but further validation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borschel, Gregory Howard — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Borschel, Gregory Howard
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.